Jacksonville Jaguars vs Detroit Lions: Live Score and Analysis

The Detroit Lions defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars Friday night 13-12. Despite what the scoreboard might say, the Jaguars again displayed some solid signs of growth as a team.

Blake Bortles again stole the show for the Jaguars. Bortles took his first reps with the first-team offense in the third preseason game, and completed 10 of 16 passes for 158 yards and touchdown. It wasn't just his stats that were impressive, but his poise in the face of pressure and his willingness to push the ball downfield.

Overall the Jaguars totaled 330 yards on offense but surrendered 368 yards on defense. The defense struggled to make plays against the run all night and particularly struggled with tackling technique. For the third week in a row rookie Telvin Smith impressed on defense, as he seemed to be involved in every play on defense.

The Jaguars still have a lot to work on but this young, rebuilding franchise certainly seems to be trending upward.

The team will finish the preseason next week at home against the Atlanta Falcons.